Black Pine Mine: Pyromorphite & Scheelite Rockhounding in Granite County, Montana

Updated June 2026

Black Pine Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Granite County, Montana. Reported finds include pyromorphite, scheelite, stolzite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Granite County
State: Montana
Nearest road: FS 678
Coordinates: 46.44783, -113.36691

Geology at Black Pine Mine

This spot sits on Mount Shields Formation, mapped as (quartzite)| (quartzite)| (argillite) that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Mount Shields Formation
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: (quartzite)| (quartzite)| (argillite)
Elevation: 6,390 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Black Pine Mine

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PHILIPSBURG RS station (10 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Montana — Recreational mineral collecting
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Black Pine Mine

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Black Pine Mine.

Black Pine Mine FAQ

Where is Black Pine Mine?+

Black Pine Mine is in Granite County, Montana, at 46.44783, -113.36691. Nearest road: FS 678.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Black Pine Mine?+

Black Pine Mine is reported to produce Pyromorphite, Scheelite, Stolzite.

Is collecting allowed at Black Pine Mine?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Black Pine Mine?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Black Pine Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Black Pine Mine are April to October.

How do I get to Black Pine Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.44783, -113.36691 in Google Maps. The nearest road is FS 678.

More rockhounding in Montana

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Open Black Pine Mine on the map

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